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November 18th, 2025

Autistic Trauma Healing: DID & Resilience | Dr. Kirsten Harrison

  1. Autistic Trauma Healing: DID & Resilience | Dr. Kirsten Harrison April Ratchford MS OT/L 48:39

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Autistic trauma unmasking? Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison (Soul Wise Solutions founder, I, Sean/a co-author) shares: Befriending homeless intersex woman Sean/a (schizophrenia/street survival to empowerment), she explores DID (trauma splitting for protection—body/soul survival), somatic healing (“body keeps the score”), energy vibes (protect via boundaries/allies), and surviving vs. thriving (claim genius pockets, no shame in masking). For autistic/ND folks processing bullying/loss, allies fostering empathy, or anyone tuning into quantum energy/gratitude resets, this convo's your toolkit—small steps build authentic light.

Timestamps:
 0:00 – Intro: Kirsten's Trauma Journey & Sean/a Meeting
 1:46 – Befriending Sean/a: From Streets to Support
 4:50 – Complex DID: Trauma Splitting Explained
 7:32 – ND Trauma: Masking & Somatic Memory
 10:21 – Survival Mechanisms in Autism/Intersex
 12:45 – Surviving vs. Thriving: Personal Bubbles
 14:39 – Energy Management: Silence/Headphones/Decompression
 18:19 – Building New Identity Post-Masking
 20:15 – Honoring Meltdowns: Triggers & Self-Forgiveness
 22:38 – Starting Personal Journey: Small Steps/Ally Support
 24:56 – Authenticity: Claim Your Space Amid Changes
 30:39 – Spiritual Energy: Protect Vibes/Quantum Influence
 34:21 – Helpers Everywhere: Mr. Rogers Wisdom
 37:43 – Gratitude: Daily Reset for All
 41:52 – Where to Find Kirsten (Site/Book/Socials)

Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if insights sparked your unmasking! Resources/book in notes. Squad, share w/ a trauma-navigator (tag 'em below—let's heal together!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for energy days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticTraumaHealing #NeurodivergentDID #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatch

Unmasking autistic trauma? Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison unpacks soul integration: 35+ years in psychology, supporting stepdaughter w/ Smith-Magenis syndrome sparked ND focus; befriending unhoused intersex Sean/a (schizophrenia, 8 years on cardboard—now empowered via GoFundMe/advocacy) inspired I, Sean/a: The Story of a Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired a Community. DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder): Childhood trauma splits (behaviors/sensations/Emotions/knowledge) for survival—somatic tools (body holds score), spiritual protection (near-death-like out-of-body). Energy for ND: Tune vibes (headphones/silence for decompression, power walks for release), protect via boundaries/allies (quantum non-local influence

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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I’m April, an occupational therapist, autism advocate, and the host of Adulting with Autism, a podcast dedicated to elevating the voices of late-diagnosed adults, parents, and professionals navigating life on the spectrum. As a mom to an autistic young adult, I blend clinical insight with lived experience—offering honest conversations, practical tools, and moments of levity for those walking similar paths.

I’m passionate about bridging generational gaps around neurodivergence, mental health, and independent living. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or neurodivergent adult yourself, my goal is to make sure no one feels alone in the process of “figuring it out.” When I’m not recording, you can find me writing, drinking too much espresso, or planning my second home in South Korea.